Curricular Practical Training (Internships)

Curricular practical training (CPT) allows you to work off-campus in a position related to your field of study. Employment under CPT must also be considered “an integral part of an established curriculum.” It will count towards your degree completion regardless of whether academic credit is awarded.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school (8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)).

International Engagement

International students

F-1 students may be eligible to participate in study-related internship positions if they meet the following

  • Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program (12 credits for undergraduate; nine (9) credits for graduate students)
  • Students must be in F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year prior to the start of the CPT
  • The internship is directly related to their program of study
  • Students may work in an internship position
  • Part-time (maximum 20 hours weekly) during the academic year
  • Full-time during the winter, spring, and summer breaks from school
  • Students working on campus in a graduate assistantship or in an on-campus job cannot work in an internship if the total hours working will exceed 20 hours weekly during the academic year.

Start the internship process!

Social Security Number Requirement

Social Security Number Requirement

Any international students who are employed are required to obtain a social security number (SSN).

To qualify for a SSN the student must

  1. Receive a job offer
  2. Schedule appointment with the Payroll Accountant in Business Operations - bring a copy of the job letter
  3. Wait for the Immigration and Advising Coordinator to contact you when your documents are ready to take to the social security office.
  4. Pick up your documents from the Office of International Engagement
  5. Take the following documents to social security office (3121 GreyHound Drive, Waterloo, Iowa 50701)
    • I-94
    • I-20
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • Letter from employer
    • Letter from Immigration & Advising Coordinator